Academic, industry experts to present; Financier David Murdock featured luncheon speaker
 
Aging impacts everyday living in many ways.  Learn how the latest technologies in the medical, consumer and lifestyle fields will help older adults live better longer.
 
The UCLA Center on Aging will present the second annual, “UCLA Technology and Aging Conference: Living Better Longer through Technology,” on Oct. 30 at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles.
 
The one-day symposium will feature national academic and industry leaders who will explore cutting-edge innovations affecting every aspect of life – from driving and home design to health monitoring and the latest medical advances.
 
Designed for seniors, their families and caretakers, the conference will provide information to help enhance the quality of life of seniors – with a focus on everyday things people can do to live and thrive independently longer.  Many speakers at the conference have been featured in the national media for their research and work.

Small’s morning keynote address will explore how frequent use of technologies such as cell phones, video games, BlackBerrys, iPods and computers impact the brain.  He will present the latest research demonstrating how surfing the internet may stimulate and possibly improve brain function in middle-aged and older adults.  Strategies and tools to help adapt and excel in this modern age will also be highlighted.
 
David H. Murdock, chairman and owner of Dole Food Company and Castle & Cooke, will deliver a luncheon keynote address discussing successful aging through good nutrition and active living.
 
A special “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the UCLA Center on Aging will be presented to Dr. S. Jerome Tamkin and Judith D. Tamkin.  Their outstanding contributions to society and active living exemplify the Center on Aging’s motto of “living better longer.”  Award introduction will be made by Dr. Gerald S. Levey, vice chancellor for medical sciences and dean of the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.  Art Linkletter will present the award to the Tamkins.
 
An afternoon keynote address by Kathryn A. Atchison, vice provost of intellectual property and industry relations at UCLA, will feature the future development and direction of technology for senior living.
 
Conference breakout sessions will take place throughout the day designed around two key themes.  “Aging in Place” will focus on technologies that will enable older adults to live longer and better in the comfort and safety of their own homes.  Another theme, “Aging Healthier Longer,” will address cutting-edge developments in disease management and treatment, adaptive and assistive devices and techniques, emotional health, and function/sensory enhancements.
 
Panels will include:
 
*Architecture & Design: Designing for Independence.  Panelists will discuss home and community design to keep adults independent longer, including new construction and how to retrofit and enhance a current home for independence and safety. Speakers: Glen Simmons, Dahlin Group Architects; Jane Regan, HB Building & Design; Valerie Fletcher, Institute for Human Centered Design.
 
*Behind the Wheel: Advances in Transportation and Driving for Seniors. Learn the effects of aging on driving ability and products to enhance awareness and effectiveness behind the wheel such as a camera-based early warning system and other safety programs. Speakers: Dr. Jaime Fitten, UCLA Brain Research Institute; Anita Lorz, Automobile Club of Southern California; Skip Kinford, Mobileye Corp.
 
*Activity Sensors: Monitoring Behavior for Safety and Peace of Mind. “Smart” home and wireless monitoring technology to track behavior and give early warning of potential health issues such as falls or accidents will be presented, such as cellular-based locator systems and more.  Speakers: Charles Hillman, GrandCare Systems; Kellerey Lohman, Ingenium Care; Lisa Brodsky, EmFinders.
 
*The Wired Senior: Computers and Connectivity. Learn about the latest products and services to help seniors work with the computer and internet, which are primary sources of information and social connections. Speakers: Richard Mander, Big Screen Live; Laura Nuhaan, Famililink; Peter Radsliff, Presto.
 
*Med-Tech: Medical Treatment Technologies.  Explore advances in surgical and medical care including tele-surgery, new ways to treat tumors, long-term delivery of medications and surgical suite techniques that are changing how health care is delivered.  Speakers: Dr. Neil Martin, UCLA professor and chairman of neurosurgery; Dr. Percy Lee, director, Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy, UCLA Jonnsson Cancer Center.
 
*Not Science Fiction: Future Healthcare Advances:  Revolutionary healthcare technologies may radically change the physical effects of aging in the near future.  Panelists will examine some promising areas of research such as nanotechnology to treat brain tumors, using computer chips to help enhance function in a damaged brain and stem cells to reverse aging degeneration. Speakers: Dr. Benham Badie, director, Brain Tumor Program, City of Hope; Dr. Irina Conboy, assistant professor, bioengineering and investigator, Berkeley Stem Cell Center and California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences.
 
*Staying in Balance: Fall Prevention and Recovery:  Learn how to reduce occurrence of this leading injury suffered by seniors through balance training, exercise, gait modification and new products such as a “smart cane.” Speakers: Dr. William Kaiser, professor, UCLA Electrical Engineering Department; Chris Otto, Halo Monitoring; Karen Hunt, Cequal Products, Inc.
 
*Tele-Health: Remote Health Monitoring and Diagnosis. These technologies allow doctors to interact and provide check-ups without patients having to leave their home or care facility.  Speakers: Steve Winner, Silverado Senior Living; Kent Dicks, MedApps; Dr. Nitin Nanda, Asana Telehealth.
 
*Designing for Seniors: Consumer Products for Better Living.  Everyday living can be  enhanced by products that meet the daily needs of consumers age 55 and older.  The panel will share new products that are designed with seniors in mind. Speakers:  Mark Hines, Verizon Wireless; Bud Meyers, FirstStreet for Boomers and Beyond; Jeff Hill, MyGait, LLC.